I know I mention Apple’s in-store merchandising often in the blog, but it’s with good reason. It recently won a first-place award in the VMSD International Visual Competition. The magazine and its judges know great design when they see it, and so should you.

The online article also discusses the other winners, including Macy’s Chicago and Pucci New York. Read about them to see how the top retailers merchandise their products as well as their brand.

I totally agree with one judge’s comments that “Less is more right now…It used to be that you’d use propping to tell the story. Now there’s more focus on the merchandise.” Consumers face so many choices these days, I also find it appropriate many times to just focus on one or two products in window or floor displays.

If you clutter a space with too many products, it can confuse customers. Using negative space is often a better choice but, as another judge says, “Less means taking a stronger stance and delivering a straightforward message…You have to have the faith that a few dramatic gestures are enough for people to understand. Otherwise, it’s very easy to start second-guessing yourself and begin adding those additional layers, and then you’re back to clutter.”

You’ll have to check margins before start focusing on single products to be sure they’re worth your merchandising time and effort. You might be surprised to find that some items you put on the back shelves will do great when spotlighted individually.

Whatever you do, keep reading articles like these to keep up with current merchandising trends. All it should cost you is some time online or reading hardcopy. The dividends are well worth it.